Canoe Prow Ornament (Nguzu Nguzu)
Western Solomon Islands, late 19th century
Carved wood with black pigment and shell inlay
Ex–Marc Lissauer, Melbourne, Australia
6.5” h x 2.5” w x 5” d (with base: 9.75” h) (16.51 x 6.35 x 12.7 cm [with base: 24.77])
Price: $16,500
A classic western Solomon Islands canoe prow ornament, featuring a beautiful blackened patina and fine shell inlay. These ornaments functioned as striking figureheads on war canoes in the western islands and are thought to depict a mythical ancestor.
Please see our two other canoe prow ornaments on offer.
